Bagmati PA meeting: Call to sustain diplomatic efforts over Lipulekh

KATHMANDU: During a zero-hour session of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly, ten members called on the provincial government to coordinate with the federal government in diplomatic efforts to annul the Lipulekh Agreement, emphasizing threats to Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties expressed concern over alleged interventions by India in areas including Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Gunji.

They urged the provincial government to support the federal administration in invalidating any agreements between India and China that compromise Nepal’s sovereignty, and to formally inform the federal government of the assembly’s resolution.

The assembly also highlighted critical infrastructure issues, particularly the Hetauda–Bhaise section of the Tribhuvan Rajpath connecting Hetauda to Kathmandu.

Members stressed that during the rainy season, floods and landslides at Baghjhora severely disrupt traffic, making it difficult to transport pregnant women and patients to hospitals. They called for the construction of a permanent bridge to ensure uninterrupted transit.

In addition, legislators urged the provincial government to coordinate with the federal government to maintain fertilizer stockpiles in Hetauda, ensuring timely availability of essential fertilizers to farmers across the province’s 13 districts for paddy cultivation.

Addressing water and healthcare concerns, assembly members recommended deploying monitoring teams to areas in and around the Kathmandu Valley suffering from unsafe drinking water.

They called for planning, budget allocation, and provision of safe drinking water to affected communities, alongside ensuring qualified doctors and health workers at all district hospitals.

On vehicle regulation, lawmakers noted objections to the mandatory embossed number plates issued by the federal government when driving licenses are not yet distributed. They advocated for the adoption of number plates in Devanagari script.

In administrative matters, Speaker Bhuwan Kumar Pathak presented proposals for nominations and reshuffles in the Assembly’s committees.

The Provincial Affairs Committee welcomed Bahadur Singh Lama Tamang, Suraj Chandra Lamichhane, Kunjana Raj Kafle, and Madukumar Shrestha as members.

The Public Accounts Committee nominated Meen Krishna Maharjan and Shyam Bahadur Khadka. Hariprabha Khadgi Shrestha was appointed to the Education and Health Committee, and Bimal Thakuri to the Industry, Tourism, and Environment Committee.

The Assembly approved all committee appointments.

Speaker Pathak subsequently adjourned the Bagmati Provincial Assembly session until further notice.